Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Explained

Turning 65 or newly enrolled in Medicare? The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure comprehensive Medigap coverage without medical underwriting. This critical six-month window determines your access to affordable supplemental insurance that protects you from Medicare’s gaps in coverage.

At Trusted Senior Solutions, we help Medicare beneficiaries navigate this crucial enrollment period. Contact us at [email protected] for personalized assistance.

Understanding Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) for 2026

Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap, works alongside Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket costs that can quickly drain your retirement savings. These standardized policies, regulated by federal law and sold by private insurance companies, provide predictable healthcare costs for Medicare beneficiaries.

What Medigap Covers in 2026:

• Medicare Part A and Part B coinsurance and copayments
• Part A hospital deductible ($1,676 in 2025, projected higher for 2026)
• Part B deductible ($257 in 2025, estimated $265 for 2026) – Plan C and F only
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance ($209.50 per day for days 21-100 in 2025)
• Foreign travel emergency coverage (80% after deductible, up to plan limits)
• First three pints of blood for medical procedures
• Part B excess charges (Plans F and G)

What Medigap Doesn’t Cover:

• Prescription drugs (requires separate Medicare Part D plan)
• Long-term custodial care
• Vision, dental, or hearing services
• Private-duty nursing

The Critical 2026 Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the first month you’re both:

• Age 65 or older
• Enrolled in Medicare Part B

During this six-month window, federal law guarantees:

• No medical underwriting – Pre-existing conditions don’t affect eligibility
• No higher premiums due to health status
• No coverage denial regardless of medical history
• Access to any Medigap plan sold in your state

Critical Update for 2026: With the $2,100 out-of-pocket cap for Part D drugs, coordinating your Medigap and drug coverage is more important than ever. Contact Trusted Senior Solutions to optimize your total Medicare coverage strategy.

Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan F: 2026 Comparison

Understanding the differences between Plan G and Plan F is essential for making an informed decision:

Key Decision Factors for 2026:

• Plan F: Closed to new enrollees since 2020, experiencing higher premium increases
• Plan G: Most comprehensive option for new beneficiaries, typically saves $400-$600 annually
• High-Deductible Options: Both F and G offer high-deductible versions ($2,870 deductible in 2025)

Guaranteed Issue Rights: Your 2026 Protection

Guaranteed issue rights protect your access to Medigap coverage outside your initial enrollment period when:

1. You lose employer/union coverage (retirement or job loss)
2. Your Medicare Advantage plan terminates or leaves your area
3. You disenroll from Medicare Advantage within 12 months of first joining
4. Your Medigap carrier goes bankrupt
5. You were misled about your Medicare coverage

During guaranteed issue periods, you typically have access to Plans A, B, C, F (if eligible), K, and L without medical underwriting.

How to Change Your Medicare Supplement Plan in 2026

Strategic Steps for Switching:

1. Compare plans through Medicare.gov or Trusted Senior Solutions
2. Apply for new coverage before canceling existing policy
3. Complete underwriting if required (outside guaranteed issue periods)
4. Confirm acceptance before canceling old coverage

Best Times to Switch Without Underwriting:

• Initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period
• Guaranteed issue situations
• State-specific opportunities (birthday rules in CA, OR, ID, IL, NV, OK, MO)

2026 Medicare Supplement Eligibility Requirements

Standard Requirements:

• Enrolled in Medicare Part B (and usually Part A)
• Age 65 or older (most states)
• Cannot have Medigap and Medicare Advantage simultaneously
• U.S. citizen or lawfully present

Under-65 Eligibility Updates:

• 31+ states require some Medigap availability for disabled beneficiaries
• Premiums typically 25-40% higher for under-65 enrollees
• Federal legislation pending for nationwide standardization

2026 Medicare Landscape Changes Affecting Medigap

Important 2026 Updates:

• Part D Cap Impact: With the $2,100 out-of-pocket drug cap, Medigap’s value for medical coverage becomes even more crucial
• Telehealth Changes: October 1, 2025, telehealth rules revert to pre-pandemic restrictions
• Premium Trends: Average 6-8% increases expected from 2025
• Carrier Consolidation: Fewer companies in some markets, emphasizing the need for careful selection

Maximizing Your 2026 Medicare Coverage Strategy

Expert Tips from Trusted Senior Solutions:

1. Act During Open Enrollment: Missing your six-month window can cost thousands in higher premiums
2. Consider Long-Term Value: Plan G often provides better value than lower-premium plans
3. Review Household Discounts: Some carriers offer up to 12% discounts
4. Coordinate with Part D: With 2026’s $2,100 drug cap, optimize total coverage costs
5. Document Everything: Keep records of creditable coverage to avoid penalties

Common Medigap Misconceptions for 2026

Myth vs. Reality:

• Myth: “I can switch Medigap plans anytime”
  • Reality: After open enrollment, medical underwriting typically applies
• Myth: “All Plan G policies are identical”
  • Reality: Benefits are standardized, but premiums, service, and rate stability vary
• Myth: “Medigap covers prescription drugs”
  • Reality: You need separate Part D coverage; older policies with drug coverage aren’t creditable

Take Action: Secure Your 2026 Medigap Coverage

Don’t navigate Medicare decisions alone. Trusted Senior Solutions provides:

• Free personalized consultations
• Side-by-side plan comparisons
• Enrollment assistance
• Ongoing support throughout your Medicare journey

Contact us today:

• Website: TrustedSrSolutions.com
• Email: [email protected]